A Prayer For Those Facing An Uncertain New Year

 

 

Almighty God, Eternal Father, our rock of refuge and our strong fortress against the unknown and the uncertainties of life, on this first week of the new year, we cry to You for an untiring faith, a persevering hope and an enduring strength.  On this particular day we remember especially those who are facing trying and difficult times in the year into which we have entered.  We know, O God , that there have always been such times, even for those that love and serve You, but this year the hurts run deeper and involve many more of those who love You, walk with You and serve You.  We think of those who have lost their homes and of those who have lost their hope; of those who have lost their jobs and of those who have lost  their zest.  We remember especially the elderly who have lost their savings and do not have the opportunity to replace them.  We think of those who suffer an incurable disease which is slowly crippling their bodies; and of those whose minds and memories are slowly slipping away.  We hold before You those who this year will become residents of nursing homes.   

 

We pray for all those who do not find comfort or hope in the dependable words so often spoken on this Lord’s Day: “We don’t know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future.”  We think of those who do know the future and find it to be the well spring of nights filled with tears.

 

What, O Lord, do You have to say to any of those who face this kind of uncertainty in their tomorrows?  We turn to the Psalms and listen for Your answer.  Is it possible that the words we hear are those of Moses when he said: “The length of our days is seventy years or eighty, if we have strength, yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quietly pass and we fly away.”  Are You not telling us that “Life is difficult?”  No matter how long we live, it will always have its challenges and disappointments.  Once we accept this as Your Word to us, it immediately becomes less difficult.  With all of our pursuits after happiness, contentment, joy and peace, the bottom line is: “Life is difficult.”  Father we cry out to You, not for special favors, but for a stubborn faith, a courageous spirit, an unfailing strength.  We pray that in the darkness of the hour You will come to us as the risen Christ, who invites us to "Come unto me, all You who are weary and burdened and I will give You rest.  Take my yoke upon You and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and You will find rest for Your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

 

Thank You father, the way is no less dark, but we have Him, who is our Light, and He will lead us all the way amidst the tears and toils, the pain and hurts.  He will lead us through the tunnel of darkness into the everlasting arms.   Hear us O God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

 

Amen